Info on Paragon lens

Curt · Apr 20, 2008

I have an Ilex Paragon Anastigmat f : 4.5 Focus 10" Series S lens. I was looking for some information on it but it's sketchy at best. It's in a barrel, f 4.5 to 32. Did these come off of a copy or process camera? Can it be used as an enlarging lens, I know it would take a picture on a camera but it's way too heavy to lug around outside. The glass is perfect, clear and coated, the barrel is clean black with bright white lettering. It's ashame to let it sit around. If it would work with an 8x10 enlarger it would provide a nice working distance being 10". Any information, experience or thoughts would be appreciated.

Curt

This is what happens when a person has too much time to sit and think, I wonder what else I have hidden away.
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John Kasaian · Apr 20, 2008

Try it on an enlarger and see! As a picture taker I think it would shine (sic) for night photography aboard an 8x10 or 5x7. FWIW I've got a 229mm Copy Paragon on my Elwood enlarger and it works beautifully. It just might fit into an Ilex #5 Universal shutter if you've got one laying around (not one marked "made for Eastman Kodak" one) give it a try

outwest · Apr 20, 2008

The Vade Mecum says it was a common large Tessar type aimed at the news/studio market. Probably, most were in shutters. Yours would probably fit in an Acme #4 like mine is in. It also says the later coated ones of the 1950's were based on the Kodak Anastigmats of the 40's according to one source. Should be sharp, but not especially ideal for enlarging.

Curt · Apr 20, 2008

Great, thanks for all of the help. It's true about the Ilex #5, I have one and it doesn't fit. It's a Kodak Commercial Ektar 14" and is printed "made for Kodak". If I run across an Acme #4 I'll set it up. Any idea of the stated or actual coverage? At first glance it covers an 8x10.

Curt

PHOTOTONE · Apr 20, 2008

Curt said:
Great, thanks for all of the help. It's true about the Ilex #5, I have one and it doesn't fit. It's a Kodak Commercial Ektar 14" and is printed "made for Kodak". If I run across an Acme #4 I'll set it up. Any idea of the stated or actual coverage? At first glance it covers an 8x10.

Curt

Ilex shutters made for Kodak lenses (Commercial Ektars) have custom threads front and back, and not "standard" threads.

outwest · Apr 21, 2008

Like Rodney Dangerfield, this lenses get no respect. I paid the paltry sum of $65 for my near mint coated one and, even as I did it, I was thinking of what other use I could make of the shutter. After a few months of shuffling it around on the shelf, said what the heck, and mounted it for the 8x10. Maybe the next time out I'll put some film behind it and give it a try.

cotdt · Apr 21, 2008

i have the 8.5" version of the Paragon and it is a really excellent lens with no faults whatsoever. yes it is a tessar and planar designs are probably sharper, but when you're stopping down there isn't going to be any difference.

Curt · Apr 21, 2008

Now that I know more about it, it's in exceptional condition, I see that it's a "taking" lens. When I bought it I paid around $25 and wasn't sure exactly what it was but believed it might make a good enlarging lens. I don't regret having it now, it's complete with a mounting ring so I should check it out when I get some time. I have a couple of packard shutters I've never used, maybe I'll mount the big one up. This lens would look good on a desk as an object of art, it's heavy and has very large glass.

I'm on a quest to find a very fine 8x10 enlarging lens. I have some here already that I intend to test out. That's the only way to see the coverage and performance.

Info on Paragon lens

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